A teenager has been found dead in a house in Manchester by police who were confronted by a number of "aggressive and out of control" dogs.

The body of the girl, named locally as Jade Lomas-Anderson, was found at the property in the Atherton area of the city.

Superintendent Mark Kenny, of Greater Manchester Police, said the 14-year-old suffered injuries "consistent with her having been attacked by dogs".

The youngster is believed to have been visiting the house and nobody else was present. Neighbours told Sky News Jade had been visiting a friend's house, and her friend's family owned the dogs.

Jade was reportedly visiting the property to see a friend, Kimberley Concannon, 16, who lives there with her twin Catrina and mother Beverley Concannon. Signs at the front and back of the house warned, "Beware of the Dog."

Image:A floral tribute left outside the address where Jade was found

Armed police officers killed four dogs, while a fifth was securely contained.

A police spokesman said two of the dogs that were put down are thought to have been bull mastiffs and two may have been Staffordshire bull terriers.

Supt Kenny said: "First and foremost, our thoughts are with the family of the girl who has tragically lost her life. Specialist officers are offering them every support.

"While our enquiries to find out what happened are ongoing, this girl's injuries are consistent with her having been attacked by dogs.

"I understand this is an extremely distressing incident for all concerned, including the community, and we will work hard to establish the full circumstances that led to this tragedy.

"There will be a significant police presence in the area, which will remain this evening. We will be there to carry out an investigation and address any concerns residents may have."

An official statement released by Greater Manchester Police said: "Police were called to an address on Chaucer Grove following a report of a teenage girl being seen unconscious, and a number of dogs being out of control."

A post mortem examination to establish how Jade died is expected to take place later tonight. The dogs' remains will also be examined as part of the investigation, police said.

Friends paid tribute to the "quiet" and "timid" teenager, who is thought to have returned to the property from the shops with a meat pie when she was attacked.

One 15-year-old said: "She goes to my school in the year below. "She's dead shy, quite timid, if you didn't know her you wouldn't recognise her around and about. It's horrible what's happened.

"She picks her little sister up Sienna from school, every day and walks past my house.

"Ten minutes after it happened we were talking to the daughter of the dog's owners, Catrina.

"She (Jade) had a pie in her hand and has gone to bite it, she moved the pie and the dog's gone for her throat and then they have all gone for her."

Another friend said the dogs at the house were large and aggressive animals. "Every time you walk past the house they would be barking and barking and going mad," she said.

"You would jump out of your skin."

Ellie Morris posted the following message on Facebook: "Can't believe this has happened. My best friend, dead, miss you so much baby girl, my princess. Love you soo (sic) much, can't believe this has happened."

She added: "You always called me your little sister, told me you will be there for me through thick&thin? love you baby girl, thinking of you, R.I.P Jade Anderson Love youuuuuuu???"

Elaine Elam wrote: "So so sad for a young life to be taken so brutally away. R.I.P Jade..my thoughts are with your family and friends.xx"